08.15.20
One of the most common questions we get asked about being nomadic travelers concerns healthcare. What happens if you get sick or have an accident? It is a question that we have asked ourselves, and Medicare takes some of that responsibility away from us, but not all.
I recently required healthcare when I got clipped by a passing car who took off as I tumbled off of my bicycle. What could have been a tragic event was instead a few hours of pain and inconvenience followed by a police report and a hospital visit. I’m not go into all the details, but I can just say that it has a happy ending!
In this small town of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, there is no PUBLIC hospital, but found out there is a private one. Due to the virus, a clinic I used to pass by was closed, so after the accident returned home, showered off my blood and abrasions and laid down to collect myself. I later decided to file a police report so that THEY knew of the event in case they cared and also to possibly get an x-ray. Normally I would ride our bikes to where ever we went but instead called upon Omar, an English-speaking taxi driver who was my interpreter and angel combined.
The cumbersome police report would have been complicated even in America, but was compounded by the language barrier PLUS found out that this was not a “local” police matter, but a regional one. Like local vs. State Police in the US. It was a true learning experience and reminded me how much I hate paperwork and bureaucracy! With that behind us, Omar took us to a private “more expensive” hospital, but I was not put off by that.
After a 30 minute consult, checking for anything broken, I paid the bill, which was 250 pesos, all of $12 USD. In the US, just going to an urgent care for an initial visit and checking of vital signs would have been $250 USD or more. A US medical office would have suggested every possible test, burden us with paperwork, and do everything to cover themselves from liability or lawsuit. Plus to jack up their bill. Other countries just don’t react that way.
Omar was with us for almost two hours between the initial pickup, first one police department, then another, a ride to the hospital and then back home. His time and expertise were worth whatever he asked for, but I was shocked when responded with 150 pesos: less than $7 USD. Insane, but I doubled it because he was worth even more.
Lessons learned: Healthcare outside the US is generally very good and sometimes better, so don’t be afraid of using them. Mind you, some Podunk towns might not be, but most larger ones are OK. This is one reason why legal residency in your country of choice is a big plus since it usually gives you access to their health care system, but truly, it’s almost worth paying for most things out of pocket. Look into travel insurance, there are many options and see if they make sense for your peace of mind.
If there is a crime, report it, for nothing more than proper response and peace of mind for that, too.
My wounds are healing, we now have another friend in Omar and knowledge of where things are and how things work. The chances of finding the driver of the car is probably small, so I will let the Universe dole out any punishment since this too shall pass.
